March 8 is International Women’s Day — a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face in the quest for gender equality.
Day of Mourning
Every year on April 28 we pay our respects to, and remember, the thousands of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents. We also honour the many families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies.
Every worker has the right to return home safe and sound at the end of each work day. By working together – with employers, workers and our health and safety partners – we can prevent worker injuries and deaths before they occur.
In 2021 due to COVID-19 recommendations from Health Authorities and Government, we ask you to please join us for a short observance of the Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured on the Job followed by our regular monthly meeting April 28th on Zoom. Join us online at 7 pm for the 20 minute ceremony to mark the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers’ health and safety. Sign up for the meeting through our office [email protected] and log-in information will be sent to you. To receive meeting documents sign up must be completed by 4:00pm on the 28th. Stay safe and healthy! Guests welcome.
We appreciate the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry: stay safe, maintain a physical distance, wash your hands and be kind.
In solidarity,
Janet Andrews, Secretary-Treasurer
May Day
A celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement which occurs every year on May Day (1 May), an ancient European spring festival.
Labour Day
Observed on the first Monday in September, honouring the achievements of working people in Canada.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in keeping with recommendations from health authorities and government the New Westminster & District Labour Council and the Vancouver & District Labour Council cancelled plans for in person 2020 Labour Day events. Instead we introduced the first ever Elsie Awards.
The Elsie (Labour Council) awards recognized union members in four categories: Awesome Union Activist, Outstanding Shop Steward, Dedicated Front Line Worker and Caring Community Activist. We highlighted three nominees from each category speaking about their activism, their union, and what Labour Day means to them. We want to thank our guest speakers and presenters for joining us.
Labour Day has always included our families and in keeping with our tradition of having children’s activities at our events we also held a Labour Day colouring challenge. The challenge was open to all and submissions were posted on our social media pages from mid-August to mid-September.
We want to thank you for helping us make this a successful virtual event and we wish you, your family and community a safe, healthy, calm and kind Labour Day.
Remembrance Day
On November 11, delegates lay wreaths on behalf of the Labour Council at services in their community remembering the sacrifice and service of members of the armed forces.
In 2019 the NWDLC was privileged to send 19 delegates to 11 of the 12 Royal Canadian Legions in our region to pay our respects to the fallen by laying a wreath.
IN 2020 due to Covid-19 members of each Royal Canadian Legion will be laying wreaths on our behalf.
United Way of the Lower Mainland Labour Appreciation Night
On Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 6 pm the NWDLC will virtually honour an individual with the Labour Community Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding Labour activism and community service at the United Way event.
The New Westminster & District Labour Council has selected Brother Walter Gerlach as our 2020 recipient of the Labour Community Service Award.
Brother Gerlach is a committed labour and community activist. He is the current Directing Business Representative for the lnternational Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Northwest District Lodge 250, has been a long time delegate and past IAM&AW Board member of this Labour Council.
ln addition to his work on the United Way of the Lower Mainland’s Board of Directors, Brother Gerlach has been a strong supporter of community projects like Period Promise and workplace campaigns like the United on the Waterfront. Brother Gerlach’s inclusive leadership and dedication is an inspiration to others and we are very pleased to nominate him for this well-deserved acknowledgement of his great contributions to our movement and our communities.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Each December 6 in Canada commemorates the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in which fourteen women were murdered and ten others injured. This year the vigil will be held virtually.
Dec-6-2020-surrey
